Shillong: Meghalaya govt has urged residents of the state who are working or studying abroad to register themselves online to help create a central database of citizens living overseas. The initiative aims to ensure swift evacuation and repatriation during emergencies such as war, violence, or natural disasters.“It has come to the notice of the government that many professionals and students from Meghalaya are temporarily working or studying in foreign countries. At present, there is no central database of such individuals, making it difficult to obtain accurate information during emergency situations,” the home (political) department said in a notification.The govt noted that during past crises abroad, the absence of reliable data made it challenging to identify and assist stranded residents. “Hence, to ensure swift action for evacuation, it has become necessary to create a central database of professionals and students temporarily living abroad,” the notification stated.The govt has directed that all professionals and students who are planning to go abroad, or are already living overseas, may furnish their details — including name, contact information, permanent address in Meghalaya, parent or guardian details, and address abroad — through the govt portal.While registration is not mandatory, the govt has encouraged citizens to share their information to facilitate smooth and speedy evacuation during emergencies. It assured that all data provided will be kept strictly confidential and accessed only during crisis situations.